The family reunion took place at Te Waimate on the 3rd and 4th April 2004, the exact date of George and Martha Clarke’s arrival in New Zealand – 180 years ago.
They first arrived in Kerikeri and spent the first six years as missionaries living in the Kemp House… Building the roads and bridges to their new site “Te Waimate,” the Clarkes were joined by Rev. Hamlin and Rev. Davis and established the first homes and missionary buildings there.
Waimate North was chosen to host our reunio
Construction of the first houses at the (Waimate North) mission began in 1830, though there were a few obstacles to overcome - not least of which was the need to cross the Waitangi River - enter George Clarke: The result was New Zealand's first European-style bridge located close to where Te Waimate Station is located today - a 'humpback' bridge with beams rising at an angle from both sides of the river, and secured in the middle by a collar tie and a series of struts and supports. [Article on Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage website]